Enlighten me

Silent New Beginnings

2006-12-31T05:44:00.000-05:00

This blog has been an unmatched journey - I met some extraordinary people around the globe, learned so much about Sikhi, practised some of it, gained much more respect for differences in opinions - even the most sacred ones, and most of all, got that so desired opportunity to share religious conscious experience.

I thank Satguru for all those privileges!

But I shall end this journey here - not of appreciation for this beauty in this world, but the recording of it online. Please consider it my last post.

I'd like to thank every person who's visited this blog and shared their wisdom in this process - you all are blessed people. I thank you for inspiring me in your unique ways.

I wish everyone the most blessed, happy, healthy and fulfilling new year 2007!

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!!!

So children get their expected Sikh heroes

2006-12-12T00:49:00.000-05:00

Do you know a Sikh doctor who excelled through medical school and landed a great position at the local hospital? She/He works 20 hour shifts most of the days?

Do you know any Sikh teachers who have worked hard in their fields and moulded millions of tender lives for good?

Do you know of any great Sikh scholars who have spent their lives researching on the subject and helping educate the world of the rich history?

...and the series of those questions can run on for every field that there is in this world. And the answer is that we all know enough of Sikhs in every single field who've contributed in an unmatched and significant way! Yet, they are not the heroes that our children aspire to become like when they grow up. They are not the models of motivation whose posters hang in their rooms and lockers!

I always found it a little sad. But that is reality. Our dreams are always larger than life and somewhere the unreachable makes to the top of the list. The lack of those modern Sikh heroes were one of the strong missing links in inspiring its children to keep the faith and be proud of it - but finally we seem to be getting closer!

I'm sure like other heroes, Monty Panesar does not need introductions! He is the first turbaned Sikh Cricket player for the team of England. This is a modern day Sikh hero. I learnt about him on TV and when I opened my ears, he happened to be the talk of many Sikh children whether or not they were interested in Cricket.

It is such a delight to offer kids someone they'd like to be like when they grow up - offering them that larger than life dream of being someone invaluable to the nation that they belong to and bring grace to their entire global community!

May God bless our new Sikh heroes :)

A common dream

2006-12-12T00:44:00.000-05:00

Did you ever wish as a child to be a Rhodes Scholar?? I know we all don't share such geeky dreams...but it is quite an honour that an individual can achieve at a young age.

Meet Parvinder Singh, 21, who has been granted that honour! He was inspired by his grandfather's death which was caused by infectious diarrhea. He has taken up the grand goal to help provide the world ample supply of clean water.

I share pride in his success and his goals. I wish him the very best and hope that he will be an inspiration for all children out there, who lack motivation and ambitions!

Pursuit of Kundalini Yoga

2006-12-11T02:07:00.000-05:00

After the wonderful suggestion of Prabhu veerji, I thought that I owe myself this combination of Guru-dhyaan and relaxation. So I looked up for training sessions in this. It turns out that there is a Kundalini yoga Teachers Association in Toronto. That was delightful - it meant lots and lots of classes all around. But it turns out that they are quite expensive - at least for a poor student like me.

So, if any of you wonderful people know of Kundalini yoga classes in or around Brampton being offered at a more reasonable rate, please do let me know :)
Thanks!

re mann jap: Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru

2006-11-29T23:42:00.000-05:00

The mala for Naam Simran - a great gift, a tool that I did not understand much for a very long time. Today I want to reflect a little more on it after reading a lovely book called, 'Prayer Beads' by Manuela Dunn Mascetti and Priya Hemenway.

The mala is a tool of tremendous significance. To wear one is to acknowledge an inner state of surrender, a devotion to the journey of exploring oneself.

We all move through the many different phases of life, but your mala can be the eternal material constant. The author describes that experience of putting it on in the morning was like remembering something sacred about herself and taking it off at night, she could see in the beads an aspect of herself that would not die. I thought that was a beautiful experience that we can have - especially manmukhs like me, who sometimes need material assurances to keep them on their track of spiritual growth.

The mala has been used for hundreds of years as a tool for remembering - remembering a prayer, remembering a mantra, repeating and remembering. This also includes remembering to respect, remebering to love and remembering to be true.

The mala is one of the many ways that can be used to become acquainted with oneself. Taking the beads in hand, one makes them a part of ones song to existence, an invocation or a call to God.

It is a blissful experience to try those beads at least once to help remember - remember God :)

p.s.// Photo, courtesy of Satvinder bhenji (http://satvinder.blog.com/)

wake up with a smile

2006-11-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

When you arise in the morning,

give thanks for the morning light,

for your life and strength.

Give thanks for your food,

and the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks,

the fault lies with yourself.

-Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

Darshan

2006-11-22T00:44:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this stunning photo of Sri Harmandir Sahib in the Amrit Vela taken by Raminderpal Singh from Amritsar, who continues to bless the sangat throughout the world with wonderful, blessed views of Sri Harmandir Sahib. But somehow I'm unable to blog it. So you can use the link below to feel the warmth, as if you are in the premises of Harmandir Sahib at that very moment!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/raminder/302461038/

lest you forget

2006-11-18T05:05:00.000-05:00

Today's Hukamnama was too compelling to not post! SatNaam Waheguru!

SHALOK, FIFTH MEHL:
Millions of obstacles stand in the way of one who forgets the Name. O Nanak, night and day, he croaks like a raven in a deserted house. 1 FIFTH MEHL: Beauteous is that season, when I am united with my Beloved. I do not forget Him for a moment or an instant; O Nanak, I contemplate Him constantly. 2 PAUREE: Even brave and mighty men cannot withstand the powerful and overwhelming army which the five passions have gathered. The ten organs of sensation attach even detached renunciates to sensory pleasures. They seek to conquer and overpower them, and so increase their following. The world of the three dispositions is under their influence; no one can stand against them. So tell me how can the fort of doubt and the moat of Maya be overcome? Worshipping the Perfect Guru, this awesome force is subdued. I stand before Him, day and night, with my palms pressed together. 15
Saturday, 5th Maghar (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page: 522)

9/11

2006-09-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

A moment to pause

to reflect on the loss

of millions

i pray

for peace

yours and mine

"Langar" - found it online

2006-09-11T14:18:00.000-04:00

"Langar" by Kulwant Budwal

In this life

fuelled by fleshly pleasures

in the pursuit ofmaterialistic comfort

I sit on the floor and eathumbly,

with rows of my people

For today I am in my Guru's house.

Ablution

2006-09-08T11:25:00.000-04:00

"The wise always takes cleansing baths. At the time of death, and at the time of birth, they are purified, when water is poured on their heads."
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Today's newspaper - Toronto Star shares the same story of ablution as mentioned in the SGGS. The scientific study proposes that a guilty conscience can be purged with simple water and soap. "We showed that physical cleansing alleviates the upsetting consequences of unethical behaviour and reduces threats to one's moral self-image", says the study co-authored by Chen-Bo Zhong. He has labelled the phenomenon "Macbeth Effect" based on the famous Lady Macbeth who famously scrubbed away at the "damned spot" on her hands in the wake of her role in the treacherous murder of King Duncan. Another interesting reference is made to the Biblical story of Pontius Pilate, "who dipped his hands in water after sentencing Christ to the Cross." That also solves the mystery of why every character in every film is sent to take a shower right after something unfit has been done by them or to them :P

The study involved 4 experiments, each of which pertained at attesting the psychological connection between physical and moral cleanliness. The results confirmed the soothing effect that washing can have on the conscience! So, now you know what options you have whenever you feel guilty....hehe...jks :)

h-e-l-p (Sikh Documentaries)

2006-09-05T14:05:00.000-04:00

Sat Sri Akal to all!

I made a list of Sikh documentaries a while back, which can be viewed here:
http://wwwenlightenme.blogspot.com/2005/09/sikh-documentaries.html

I was wondering if you guys can help me collect copies of it. If you know a sotre or a library that has the copy of one, more or all of these documentaries or places that offer them for purchase, please let me know in the comment box or email me. I will truly appreciate your help.

Sincere thanks in advance!

Gurudwara Sahib ji

2006-09-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

Gurudwara Sahib ji is located in Brampton. This Gurughar is relatively new, but the management seems to be in very good hands - for excellent Kirtan smagams, Katha programs and other activities are held very actively here. Here are some pictures for virtual darshan :)

This is the main hall.

Dhan Guru!

2006-09-01T23:07:00.000-04:00

God
Originally uploaded by Dew Drop.

"O Nanak, if I had hundreds of thousands of stacks of paper, and if I were to read and recite and embrace love for the Lord,
and if ink were never to fail me, and if my pen were able to move like the wind
-even so, I could not estimate Your Value. How can I describe the Greatness of Your Name?"

- Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.15

p.s.// Today is September 1, the Prakash Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). SGGS is the holy book of the Sikhs - it contains "the word" and the word from the Guru is the Guru. It was first compiled and read as a holy book on Sep 1, 1604. To me and millions of other Sikhs (literal meaning - learners), this is the guiding light of our lives. I did not take this picture. But I could not possibly let the day pass without a tribute.

So Happy Birthday to Sri Guru Granth Sahib :) Wishing a blessed year for all!

busi(/y)ness

2006-08-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sat Sri Akal :)

I'm writing my Graduate Record Examination this Friday (sep 1) which has kept me very busy. I hope everyone is doing great and is in chardi kala! I will be seeing much more of everyone after this Friday...thanks for dropping by in the meanwhile, especially Manjeet Singh ji, Manpreet ji and Sat bhenji :)

And wish me good luck for the exam..to say I'm terrified would be an understatement :(

Waheguru!

Only if...

2006-08-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

RAAG SOOHEE, ASHTAPADEES, FOURTH MEHL, SECOND HOUSE:
ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:
If only someone would come, and lead me to meet my Darling Beloved; I would sell myself to him. 1 I long for the Blessed Vision of the Lords Darshan. When the Lord shows Mercy unto me, then I meet the True Guru; I meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. 1 Pause If You will bless me with happiness, then I will worship and adore You. Even in pain, I will meditate on You. 2 Even if You give me hunger, I will still feel satisfied; I am joyful, even in the midst of sorrow. 3 I would cut my mind and body apart into pieces, and offer them all to You; I would burn myself in fire. 4 I wave the fan over You, and carry water for You; whatever You give me, I take. 5 Poor Nanak has fallen at the Lords Door; please, O Lord, unite me with Yourself, by Your Glorious Greatness. 6 Taking out my eyes, I place them at Your Feet; after travelling over the entire earth, I have come to understand this. 7 If You seat me near You, then I worship and adore You. Even if You beat me and drive me out, I will still meditate on You. 8 If people praise me, the praise is Yours. Even if they slander me, I will not leave You. 9 If You are on my side, then anyone can say anything. But if I were to forget You, then I would die. 10 I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to my Guru; falling at His Feet, I surrender to the Saintly Guru. 11 Poor Nanak has gone insane, longing for the Blessed Vision of the Lords Darshan. 12 Even in violent storms and torrential rain, I go out to catch a glimpse of my Guru. 13 Even though the oceans and the salty seas are very vast, the GurSikh will cross over it to get to his Guru. 14 Just as the mortal dies without water, so does the Sikh die without the Guru. 15 Just as the earth looks beautiful when the rain falls, so does the Sikh blossom forth meeting the Guru. 16 I long to be the servant of Your servants; I call upon You reverently in prayer. 17 Nanak offers this prayer to the Lord, that he may meet the Guru, and find peace. 18 You Yourself are the Guru, and You Yourself are the chaylaa, the disciple; through the Guru, I meditate on You. 19 Those who serve You, become You. You preserve the honor of Your servants. 20 O Lord, Your devotional worship is a treasure over-flowing. One who loves You, is blessed with it. 21 That humble being alone receives it, unto whom You bestow it. All other clever tricks are fruitless. 22 Remembering, remembering, remembering my Guru in meditation, my sleeping mind is awakened. 23 Poor Nanak begs for this one blessing, that he may become the slave of the slaves of the Lord. 24 Even if the Guru rebukes me, He still seems very sweet to me. And if He actually forgives me, that is the Gurus greatness. 25 That which Gurmukh speaks is certified and approved. Whatever the self-willed manmukh says is not accepted. 26 Even in the cold, the frost and the snow, the GurSikh still goes out to see his Guru. 27 All day and night, I gaze upon my Guru; I install the Gurus Feet in my eyes. 28 I make so many efforts for the sake of the Guru; only that which pleases the Guru is accepted and approved. 29 Night and day, I worship the Gurus Feet in adoration; have Mercy upon me, O my Lord and Master. 30 The Guru is Nanaks body and soul; meeting the Guru, he is satisfied and satiated. 31 Nanaks God is perfectly permeating and all-pervading. Here and there and everywhere, the Lord of the Universe. 32 1
Friday, 27th Saawan (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page: 757)

dedicated to anonymous!

2006-08-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

gold, originally uploaded by Dew Drop.

"This is how I would die into the love
I have for you ( Waheguru)
As pieces of cloud dissolve in sunlight "
- Anonymous

(Thank you for such lovely words, which aptly give meaning to this image!)

What difference does it make?

2006-08-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

(This is an invaluable story which I first heard from someone kind and generous, which I think is an invaluable inspiration for every soul it touches) :)

There was a man taking a morning walk at the beach. He saw that along with the morning tide came hundreds of starfish and when the tide receded, they were left behind and with the morning sun, they would die. The tide was fresh and the starfish were alive. The man took a few steps, picked one and threw it into the water. He went to the next and did the same and so no. One after the other he kept throwing them back into the water.
Right behind him there was another person who couldn’t understand what this man was doing. He caught up with him and asked, “What are you doing? There are hundreds of starfish. How many can you help? What difference does it make?” This man did not reply, took two more steps, picked up another one, threw it into the water, and said, “It makes a difference to this one.”
What difference are we making? Big or small, it does not matter. If everyone made a small difference, we’d end up with a big difference, wouldn’t we?

Please refer to Satvinder Bhenji's valuable post @ http://satvinder.blog.com/930302/#cmts. One thought might create an idea which might create a wave - a wave of change, a wave that matters!!!

The sacred mingling

2006-08-06T19:03:00.000-04:00

The sacred mingling, originally uploaded by Dew Drop.

“Give up your selfishness, and you shall find peace; like water mingling with water, you shall merge in absorption.” - Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Asa Di Vaar

2006-08-06T19:02:00.000-04:00

I've been lucky to find the BEST recitation of Asa Di Vaar.

Raagi: Bhai Nirmal Singh
(Hazoori Raagi Jatha Sach Khand Harmandar Sahib ji (Amritsar)

The voice and pitch is angelic. The recitation is so clear and harmonious. I think it is the most amazing CD I have. I'd recommend anyone looking to buy a copy, to try listening to this one. It can truly work wonders :)

Satnam Waheguru!

Time of trial and reward

2006-08-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

DHANAASAREE, FOURTH MEHL:
The Lord is the Fulfiller of desires, the Giver of total peace; the Kaamadhaynaa, the wish-fulfilling cow, is in His power. So meditate on such a Lord, O my soul. Then, you shall obtain total peace, O my mind. 1 Chant, O my mind, the True Name, Sat Naam, the True Name. In this world, and in the world beyond, your face shall be radiant, by meditating continually on the immaculate Lord God. Pause Wherever anyone remembers the Lord in meditation, disaster runs away from that place. By great good fortune, we meditate on the Lord. The Guru has blessed servant Nanak with this understanding, that by meditating on the Lord, we cross over the terrifying world-ocean. 2 6 12
Friday, 20th Saawan (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page: 669)

An Excellent Idea!

2006-07-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

SUKHMANI - The Pearl of Peace

2006-07-23T15:21:00.000-04:00

In the Sukhmani are peace, Lord's praise and Name.
He, withing whose mind it abides becomes wealthy,
All his desires are fulfilled.

He becomes most distinguished man and gets renowned in the entire world.
He obtains the highest place of all.
He does not, again, come and go.

Nanak, the man who obtains the Sukhmani, departs after earning the wealth of God's name.

Repose, peace, wealth, nine treasures, understanding, divine knowledge, all the immediate occult powers;
Learning, penance, union with and meditation on the Master,
The exquisite divine insight, the excellent ablutions;
The four cardinal boons, the blossoming of the heart lotus;
Detachment from all things though in the midst of them all;
Beautiful, shrewd and knower of reality;
Impartial looker and the beholder, of one God,
These gifts are obtained by the man, who with his mouth recites the Sukhmani and heartily bears Guru Nanak's hymns in the praise of God's name.

Let anyone meditate heartily on this Name's treasure.
In all the ages he shall obtain salvation.
This composition is the praise of the World-Lord and the recitation of the Name about which the Simritis, Shashtras and Vedas speak.
The essence of all the religions is the God's name, alone.
It abides in the mind of Lord's devotee.
Millions of sins are effaced (pardoned) in the saints guild.
By saint's mercy, man escapes the death's courier.
They, on whose brow, the Lord has recorded such destiny, have O Nanak entered the saints sanctury.
He, within whose mind the Sukhmani abides and who listens to it with love, that mortal remembers the Lord Master.

His pangs of birth and death are destroyed.
His body (life), so difficult to obtain, is forthwith exonerated.
Spotless is his repute and sweet is his speech.
The Name alone is contained in his mind. Sorrow, sickness, dread, and doubt depart from him.
He goes by the Name of a saint and His acts are pure.
The highest of all becomes his glory.

Because of these virtues, O Nanak, this is called THE HYMN OF PEACE!

(SGGS, p.295-296)

Repeated prayers

2006-07-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

JAITSREE, FOURTH MEHL, FIRST HOUSE, CHAU-PADAS:
ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:
The Jewel of the Lord's Name abides within my heart; the Guru has placed His hand on my forehead. The sins and pains of countless incarnations have been cast out. The Guru has blessed me with the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and my debt has been paid off. 1 O my mind, vibrate the Lord's Name, and all your affairs shall be resolved. The Perfect Guru has implanted the Lord's Name within me; without the Name, life is useless. Pause Without the Guru, the self-willed manmukhs are foolish and ignorant; they are forever entangled in emotional attachment to Maya. They never serve the feet of the Holy; their lives are totally useless. 2 Those who serve at the feet of the Holy, their lives are made fruitful, and they belong to the Lord. Make me the slave of the slave of the slaves of the Lord; bless me with Your Mercy, O Lord of the Universe. 3 I am blind, ignorant and totally without wisdom; how can I walk on the Path? I am blind! O Guru, please let me grasp the hem of Your robe, so that servant Nanak may walk in harmony with You. 4 1
Saturday, 7th Saawan (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page: 696)

Guru Harkrishan ji's Prakash Divas - July 21

2006-07-22T03:02:00.000-04:00

Lakh lakh mubarakan :)

Guru Harkrishan Sahib was born on Sawan Vadi 10, (8 Sawan), Bikrami Samvat 1713, (July 23, 1656) at Kiratpur Sahib. He was the second son of Guru Har Rai Sahib and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (Sulakhni Ji). Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Harkrishan Sahib was ex-communicated and disinherited due to his anti-Guru Ghar activities, and Sri Harkrishan Sahib Ji at the age of about five years, was declared as Eighth Guru by his father Guru Har Rai Sahib before his death in 1661.

Within a short span of time Guru Harkrishan Sahib through his fraternization with the common masses gained more and more adherents in the capital. At the time, a severe epidemic of cholera and smallpox broke out in Delhi. The young Guru began to attend the sufferers irrespective of caste and creed. Particularly, the local Muslim population was much impressed with the purely humanitarian deeds of the Guru Sahib and nicknamed him Bala Pir (child prophet). Even Aurangzeb did not try to disturb Guru Harkrishan Sahib sensing the tone of the situation but on the other hand never dismissed the claim of Ram Rai also.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is dedicated to his holiness!

(Info gathered from Sikhpoint.com)

....but it had turned to emptiness without compassion!

2006-07-14T01:40:00.000-04:00

All is emptiness and all is compassion.

~ Buddha

The aphorism attributed to the Buddha sums up the teaching of Buddhist Dharma. It is the realization of everyone who awakens, no matter the tradition to which they belong and the language in which it is expressed. Before one can understand through intense awareness that compassion is the point of life in our relationships with all beings, one must first understand the nature of reality: emptiness. With the exception of the eternal foundation of consciousness, everything is impermanent, passing away, in constant flux. Because everythnig is constantly changing, nothing actually exists on its own. Each one of us is dependent on others and nature to be. Everything is interdependent. When we grasp inwardly the truth of impermanence, then we also understand that all is compassion, for then we know that we are intrinsically and fundamentally related to everyone and everything else.

Healing Seeds

2006-07-08T18:43:00.000-04:00

I took this article from Manjit singh's blog: SinghsRUs (sorry I'm horrible with html links). But this is one of the best articles that I've read in a very very long time and I bet everyone and anyone can benefit from this article. I don't want to lose it, so it will be saved in my blog here :) Please take te time to let some healing occur :) SatNaam WaheGuru!

Seeds of Healing - Twenty Years Later Milestones on the Path to PeaceJune 6, 2004.

Twenty years after 1984 – the world has changed.In this post September 11th environment, Sikhs around the world are trapped in issues of mistaken identity. Whether it is hate crimes in the streets of New York or France passing legislation to bar religious minorities, including Sikh youth, from wearing their turbans to school – the Sikh identity has become a global issue. We are once again being challenged – this time to become known and respected on a global scale. Ultimately, this challenge is about the Sikhs getting to know themselves, and helping others understand and overcome misconceptions about who Sikhs are. This is the fight we face today. This is our 1984. To face what is happening in our world now, we must let go of the past.Forgiveness and The Promise of DemocracyOftentimes, our remembrances make it difficult to move. The hurt, the pain, the betrayal are very real. Yet, these components can hold us back. We need to develop an ability to move on. Do not mistake forgiveness with forgetting. The noble Sikh is always one who forgives as it is so written and commanded to be practiced. We remember the past in order to learn the lessons, but not wallow in the pain or grief forever. However, if we focus only on the remembering and not the forgiveness, then we doom ourselves to ignorance. And clearly, ignorance is not what the whole Sikh ethos is about.It is time to learn the lessons of democracy. Democracy is power in action – not of a few, but of all. It gives every constituent a chance to use their voice, to use their power. In the United States, in England, in Canada, in France, in Germany – the rights of the Sikhs will be protected to the extent that the Sikhs become actively involved in the political process. The rights of Sikhs will be upheld in proportion to Sikh participation in governance. So it is with India, and this is why we are saying - 20 years after 1984 - it is a very different world. Twenty years after 1984, there is a Sikh man, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is known worldwide as the economic savior of India and he has just become Prime Minister of a country with over one billion people. A Sikh now leads the world’s largest democracy.Democracy is by no means perfect and there are always tensions playing out between different parties. But it does work. History has shown us that, in the long run, democracy works as a method of peaceful self-governance for diverse groups of people. Democracy is actually Sikhism in practice. Just look at the rule of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. Can one believe the diversity he sought? Can one see his tolerance of all peoples, not just Sikhs? Can one see his egalitarian view towards women? It took the West another 100 years to implement the kind of democracy he practiced while being a monarch. We Sikhs are no strangers to democracy and we understand that it demands absolute integrity to succeed. That kind of democracy has most often rewarded people with prosperity and peace.What are the lessons of democracy? We can look to our own history for answers. Democracy is in our history, traditions, wisdom, and group knowledge. And forgiveness is part of this.The Sikh Youth Need to Face the FutureAnother change that has occurred during the last 20 years is that there is a generation of Sikhs growing up outside of India - the Sikh Diaspora. Who are these children? Well, some are Sikhs who are children of the early immigrants. Some are children of the post 1984 immigrants. Others are new Sikhs of different roots all together. Each of these communities was affected by 1984 differently, and have subsequently dealt with it differently. Many of us who came here before 1984 were deeply hurt. We vowed that 1984 would not hold us back. The post-1984 immigrants have a more visceral reaction given their personal memories of the actions that happened at the time. Their children, however, who are growing up outside of India have a different response to 1984 . Many have forgotten about it, or do not understand how it affects them or do not know how to go forward. Finally, we have the new Sikhs. Many have committed themselves to making sure that this event will not repeat itself and to work for peace.Mostly I see that all of these communities need to be heard. Heard, NOT with a lament, but with the hope that we will create something better as we move forward. This Diaspora really needs a voice. We need to give ourselves a vision of the future, of what we can be in today’s world, and not condemn ourselves to living in the past. We Sikhs can become a really great force if we organize and recognize each other and stop the fight amongst ourselves. Pride and the warriors spirit in the Sikhs has lead in the past to internal conflict. All we have to do is break the pattern and develop cooperative behavior. I know one thing – create division and conflict and the Sikhs are easily manipulated by others. I want to challenge this by calling on all Sikhs to come together.We, the new Sikhs Diaspora, understand democracy and we are often participants in it. As we come of age, we will be heard. We will demand of the elders in our society to explain the messes they have made. Why does the world not know of us and our values? In this information age, why are we so far behind in creating mechanisms for people to discover us? Why are not more people groomed for leadership? Why is the leadership full of conflict? Why are we so visible and yet so very invisible? We really do not care as much about the tribal and destructive use of caste that divides us. Why do people not recognize that casteism is a cancer that eats through the fabric of our unity? We want equality – not just in talk, but also in action. We want intelligent dialogue and not political rhetoric laced with the venom of divisiveness. We want answers. We have begun to ask the questions. We are awakening.What we Sikhs have in front of us is a unique opportunity. We don’t even have to ask Dr. Manmohan Singh to say anything. We just need to emulate his ethics and values. We don’t even have to believe in the Congress Party. We have to clean our own house and ask ourselves are we worthy of our turban. Do we give it the respect it deserves? We have seen the Akal Takhat destroyed so that we may recognize our role. Personally, I believe that it was necessary for us to awaken and feel and make sure that we are in touch with our faith. We need to claim our faith back from those that distort it or deny us its full measure. Too many times we have played the victim and as a result, we seem to have begun to believe we are the victim. As a result, we Sikhs have lost our ways.I say this and at the same time caution that I do not mean we should become fanatics. Sikhism decries fanaticism. We need to be active, THINKING Sikhs. We need to be able to create dialogue and help the world solve major problems. We can bring our seva and compassion to teach the world to deal with community issues such as poverty and AIDS. We can use our Dasvandh to educate more children in schools in modern technologies so they are ready to be called upon as leaders five, ten, or twenty years from now. I ask that we do not lower our standards of being a Sikh, but that we raise the bar even higher. I ask that we demand of ourselves a deep commitment. One where commit to becoming the noble ideal of a Sikh. Then we will not be warriors alone but peace makers as well. To do this we must heal and look to the future. Yes, we must also forgive and come through cleansed so that we can go forward with a clear view of our role in the world, ready to face the challenges that are confronting us today.Sharing Sikh Values and Sikh AccomplishmentsToday’s battles are not won with guns. Rather, they are battles of information and perception. The CNN sound-bite carries as much weight as a nuclear weapon. The effect of what the media does today is far reaching and can last many generations. In the backdrop of all the noise the media creates, few voices have the clarity and experience to lead with compassion. Our Sikh values give us a unique opportunity to become that voice on a global level. We have that capacity. Educating the world about the Sikh identity is not just an issue of "turban and beard." Nor is it one of bhangra and a fun loving people image. Nonetheless, these images are a component of our identity and are an avenue to build a bridge between Sikhs and the wider community. What we really need to do is help the world's people make the connection that the Sikh turban and beard represent the type of values that the world needs more than ever. It is our values that are needed - embracing religious diversity; honoring and respecting women; earning through honest labor and sharing the fruits of that labor with others. These values are universal and, when shared with others in a universal way, offer a light of hope in the world. Now is the time for Sikhs to stand for their identity publicly – not only to be known for who we are, but rather to help humanity face the current global challenges.Sikhs around the world are making tremendous contributions to their communities and to society. We need to take the time to recognize and raise the awareness in our communities about all that we are doing. We need to speak and appreciate the positive accomplishments that Sikhs make in all walks of life. It is important to celebrate each one and talk about it. This will help the world to understand the continuing contributions being made by Sikhs. This will encourage us to do more and allow us to be known by our values and actions.I believe in the development of the 21st century Sikh warrior. This warrior is still the embodiment of Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa. He or she is an intellectual, philosopher, artist, lawyer, doctor, poet, politician, peacemaker – anything that one can dream of becoming. Most of all this person is a believer, as I am, that there is no compromise in the modern world for a Sikh…for a Sikh has been modern for 500 years. We just need to live our values.Peace and prosperity are boons to those who look to the future to create a world that is civilized. Acceptance and commerce are its gifts and for Sikhs that is the path they must seek and choose. Where do you want to be great – tomorrow in the future or yesterday in the past? I choose the future. Are you coming with me?Supreet Singh Manchanda is a Sikh executive from Texas and Silicon Valley. He has been a Global Partner in KPMG and various other corporations (IBM, SGI) and also been active in the Republican Party and The White House leadership. He, along with others, is also a founder of Sikh Communications Council post 9-11. If you would like to send an email to Supreet Singh, you may email him at s2@khalsa.com.

Article originally taken from: http://www.sikhnet.com/s/HealingSeeds

we beg Your pardon Satguru.

2006-07-05T01:50:00.000-04:00

"
Brandishing swords and other traditional weapons, politico-religious groups yesterday clashed inside the Golden Temple complex in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, creating panic among devotees.

Radical supporters of Akali leader Simranjit Singh Mann virtually took over the stage of a religious event organised inside the complex to mark the 400th anniversary of Akal Takht - the highest religious seat of Sikh religion.

The clash took place in the presence of the holy book of the Sikhs - Guru Granth Sahib.

The Akal Takht is located just 50 metres from the Sikh sanctum sanctorum - the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The clash took place when the group led by former chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal did not allow Mann to speak from the dais.

This upset Mann’s supporters who violently rushed to the stage, brandishing swords and other weapons, and forced Badal, Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee president Avtar Singh Makkar and other top Sikh leaders to run for cover. Mann’s supporters broke the microphone also and manhandled Sikh leaders.

Following the incident, Akal Takht head priest J S Vedanti issued a religious proclamation holding Mann and his followers responsible for the unsavoury incident and directed all Sikhs not to invite Mann and others to any religious events.

"
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=95295&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22

As long as...

2006-07-05T01:42:00.000-04:00

As long as he thinks that he does something, till then he has absolutely no peace.
As long as this man deems that he is the doer of something, until then he wanders in the womb of existences.
As long as he deems one man an enemy and another a friend, so long his mind is not at rest.
So long as the man is intoxicated with the love of mammon, till then the Lord of law inflicts punishment on him.
By Lord's grace, mortal's shackles are shattered.
By Guru's kindness, O Nanak egotism is effaced!

~ Sri Guru Granth Sahib (p278)

“Creating the world, God has made it a place to practice spirituality.” —Guru Granth Sahib (1035)

2006-07-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

larger than life, originally uploaded by Dew Drop.

(Almost) Every inch of the 235 million acres of land of British Columbia resonates with God's vibrance in it. The landscape is breathtaking and the their is a unique divinity in this place. God really must be smiling heartily while composing all the lakes, rivers, mountains and valleys of this place :)

Hukamnama July 2, 2006

2006-07-02T02:14:00.000-04:00

SORATH, THIRD MEHL, FIRST HOUSE, TI-TUKAS:
ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:
You always preserve the honor of Your devotees, O Dear Lord; You have protected them from the very beginning of time. You protected Your servant Prahlaad, O Dear Lord, and annihilated Harnaakhash. The Gurmukhs place their faith in the Dear Lord, but the self-willed manmukhs are deluded by doubt. 1 O Dear Lord, this is Your Glory. You preserve the honor of Your devotees, O Lord Master; Your devotees seek Your Sanctuary. Pause The Messenger of Death cannot touch Your devotees; death cannot even approach them. The Name of the Lord alone abides in their minds; through the Naam, the Name of the Lord, they find liberation. Wealth and all the spiritual powers of the Siddhis fall at the feet of the Lords devotees; they obtain peace and poise from the Guru. 2 The self-willed manmukhs have no faith; they are filled with greed and self-interest. They are not Gurmukh they do not understand the Word of the Shabad in their hearts; they do not love the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Their masks of falsehood and hypocrisy shall fall off; the self-willed manmukhs speak with insipid words. 3 You are pervading through Your devotees, O Dear God; through Your devotees, You are known.All the people are enticed by Maya; they are Yours, Lord You alone are the Architect of Destiny. Overcoming my egotism and quieting the desires within my mind, I have come to realize the Word of the Guru's Shabad. 4 God automatically does the work of those who love the Name of the Lord. By Guru's Grace, he ever dwells in their minds, and He resolves all their affairs. Whoever challenges them is destroyed; they have the Lord God as their Savior. 5 Without serving the True Guru, no one finds the Lord; the self-willed manmukhs die crying out in pain. They come and go, and find no place of rest; in pain and suffering, they perish. But one who becomes Gurmukh drinks in the Ambrosial Nectar, and is easily absorbed in the True Name. 6 Without serving the True Guru, one cannot escape reincarnation, even by performing numerous rituals. Those who read the Vedas, and argue and debate without the Lord, lose their honor. True is the True Guru, and True is the Word of His Bani; in the Guru's Sanctuary, one is saved. 7 Those whose minds are filled with the Lord are judged as true in the Court of the Lord; they are hailed as true in the True Court. Their praises echo throughout the ages, and no one can erase them. Nanak is forever a sacrifice to those who enshrine the Lord within their hearts. 8 1
Sunday, 18th Aasaarh (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
-->
Sunday, 18th Aasaarh (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page: 637)

Guru Arjan Dev Gurupurab!

2006-06-18T05:02:00.000-04:00

"All the sources of creation, and all languages meditate on Him, forever and ever." (Guru Arjan Dev, Asa, pg. 456)

A very happy and enlightening Gurupurab to everyone!!!

This day is definitely special to me, for I have recieved a priceless gift of all the volumes of Sri Guru Granth Sahib now, which carry all the translations. Hopefully I can fulfil my duty as a learner and be able to enrich my life with the goal that Guru Arjan compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib with :)

Chardi Kala to everyone. Satnam Waheguru.

gentle men, great fathers

2006-06-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

"She was born in the autumn and was a late fall in my life, and lay purple and dented like a little bruised plum, as though she'd been lightly trodden in the grass and forgotten.

Then the nurse lifted her up and she came suddenly alive, her bent legs kicking crabwise, and her first living gesture was a thin wringing of the hands accompanied by a far-out Hebridean lament.

This moment of meeting seemed to be a birthtime for both of us; her first and my second life. Nothing, I knew, would be the same again, and I think I was reasonably shaken. I peered intently at her, looking for familiar signs, but she was convulsed as an Aztec idol. Was this really my daughter, this purple concentration of anguish, this blind and protesting dwarf?

Then they handed her to me, stiff and howling, and I held her for the first time and kissed her, and she went still and quiet as though by instinctive guile, and I was instantly enslaved by her flattery of my powers"

- Laurie Lee, I can't stay Long, 1975

Dear fathers who make lives of their children secure, loving, confident, happy and rightly educated are the gentlemen who are kind in their heart and realize their emotions fairly.

A very very happy and fulfilling Happy Father's day to my father, my angelic grandfathers, to Ik Singh veer, to Manjeet Singh jis (singhsrus and msingh), and to all those who are proud fathers and to the wonderful fathers of all those who read this :):):)

May we as daughters and son make them very proud and happy, today and forever!

Sikh struggles in Kashmir - a new Blog!

2006-06-17T11:11:00.000-04:00

This is to share with everyone that one mr. Harbail Singh is creating a new blog which will focus on the current issues in Kashmir from a Sikh perspective. I for one was not aware of the big Sikh populations in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Please kindly do pay a visit and educate yourself on the many budding issues of this state.

The link for his blog is:

http://harbailsingh.blogspot.com/

Satnam Waheguru!

To the world's greatest mother...

2006-06-17T00:18:00.000-04:00

I didn't know that you were in the aging process too ;), originally uploaded by Dew Drop.

May your every dream come true

May life be beautiful and you never be blue

You are the greatest human being

For all your kindness, a hearty thank you!

the beard query

2006-06-14T21:09:00.000-04:00

Last night at the Gurudara, I saw a bhai sa'ab with the Most Amazing beard that I have ever come across. It was the perfect blend of greys, black and white hair very well distributed evenly - untangled uptil the waist length. First of all I've never seen such a long beard. But it was not just the length, it was so neat, it seemed like he recently combed it or something. The man looked like an angel in his chola and with that beard.

While I was thinking of his charismatic Godly appearance today, a question came to my mind about why Gursikhs are expected to keep their beards untied? We keep long hair to maintain the appearance that Waheguru intended us to have. To appreciate this gift and to maintain it well, we wash our hair daily and tie them in graceful dastaars. If the main purpose of dastaar, alongwith provision of unique identity, is to protect our hair, then why do we not pack the beards in a neat roll under the chin, how many Sikhs do (which however is not allowed/encouraged to the initiated ones)?

So if someone can shed some light on this, it'll be highly appreciated!

forever...

2006-06-05T02:50:00.000-04:00

BLUE star

2006-06-05T02:28:00.000-04:00

Things I didn't know about the Operation Blue Star of 1984:

- Operation Blue star is also called "Ghallughara". The unmistakable allusion is to the killing in Punjab of tens of thousands of Sikhs by the Afgan raider, Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1762, after which the word "Ghallughara" was coined to become an integral part of the Punjabi folklore. (allaboutsikhs.com)

- On the 3rd of June, a 36 hour curfew was imposed on the state of Punjab. The period coincided with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, who built the Harimandir Sahib and compiled the Sikh's Holy book. As a result of this, when the curfew was imposed the temple was filled with worshippers. (wikipedia)

- To make matter worse, Indian army simultaneously attacked 40 other historical Gurdwaras all over Punjab (Sikh-history.com)

- The Harmindar Sahib [the sanctum sanctorum where the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is kept during the day] received many bullet holes. The book itself was hit by a bullet. (wikipedia)

- For five days the Punjab has been cut off from the rest of the world. All telephone and telex links are cut. No foreigners are permitted entry and on Tuesday, all Indian journalists were expelled. There are no newspapers, no trains, no buses- not even a bullock cart can move." (wikipedia)

- History of Sikh Reference Library (Destroyed on June 7, 84) (allaboutsikhs.com)

- Later on numerous Kar Sevaks volunteered to rebuild the Harmandir Sahib, turning down an offer to do so by the government. (wikipedia)

- Operation Bluestar is regarded by some military observers in India and the international community as a military embarrassment, poorly conducted and managed. Many of the leaders of the military action were either assassinated or are as in the case of Major General Brar, in hiding for fear or being assassinated. (wikipedia)

2006-05-31T23:53:00.000-04:00

2006-05-31T23:52:00.000-04:00

walking to peace

2006-05-31T23:39:00.000-04:00

Taken during a morning walk to the closest pind near my mama's house :)

conversations with the opposite sex

2006-05-30T03:22:00.000-04:00

A topic that pisses me off. Sorry to start off my comment that way, but there are just SO many dimensions to this discussion that I fear my inadequacy to compliment them all fairly. Yet I cannot resist commenting.

Firstly, about flirting. Pardon my saying if this is unacceptable to others. What is wrong with flirting?? That's how "most" of the relationships begin - those intial conversations, those initial sharing of jokes, laughter, subtle compliments, which somehow awaken the realization that there is a relationship in building. I don't think flirting is wrong - even though my skills might not put me further as a competent ambassador.

Flirting is wrong when you are doing it for the hell of it and with everyone. I think that is then not termed flirting, I call it "playing". That in every sense is wrong.

Terminology is yet another thing that makes all the difference. I was talking to my mother about this post and she said, in her days "flirt" was a person with bad character. Bingo! Explains why it has all the misrepresentation. How we define things indicates how we follow them.
Dictionary.com defiens a flirt as:
- To make playfully romantic or sexual overtures.
- To deal playfully, triflingly, or superficially with

Now the literal connotations of the word which may include sexual overtures makes this word an attribute to a bad character. But how many words in your language are not a part of dictionary. What does "wicked", "sick", "crazy" stand for literally may have no indication of these terms meaning - "great". Yet these are the terms we prefer over the literal meaning.
I think linguistics are too hard to compress in this one post. But I beleive that when any man and woman are in the very initial stages of their relationship building, their exchange of emotions is termed flirting and I think it is the very basic binding of those two people.

Now to the second important point about "chit-chats": Well, I once confronted this attitude on a fellow bloggers post, where I was disheartened to find that it is a popular belief that "all women are the house of temptation and engage men into little conversations (usually inquisitions about religious matters) only to tempt them into wrong deeds, and take them away from God."

God forbids if all the men that I've contacted, or held spontaneous conversations with, especially about religious matters, thought that I had mal-intentions.

I'm a Sikh, a learner. I have always sought to learn and understand as much of religion as possible, from anyone who seemed adequately informed. At others times, conversations were carried on to discover the truth together, hopefully through a continuous exchange of thoughts and ideas. If these "chit-chats" are/were/could be understood as my fellow Sikh men as possible sexual overtures then I will frankly call it a plague of their minds. We see what we want to see. We understand things the way we wish to understand them. For anything, even the room you are sitting in right now reading this, can be viewed in gazillion ways. Likewise are the conversations, people, their expressions, etc. be understood or misunderstood - all by the calliberations of your own character.

God has given us the sense to judge the wrong from right. But God also mentions "open-mindedness". Open your eyes - truth might be something that either you are not looking at or are intentionally ignoring.

Also when men who've used and supported the fore-mentioned quote about women being the root of all evil and the temptations to take them away from God, must stop blaming it on others. Walking on the path towards Satguru is hard. And several temptations that may drive you away are a natural possibility. If however, you want to feel supreme by thinking that "others" (that is women as you state) are the cause to keep you away from your much desired goal, then wake up! And try to learn to take responsibility for your own weak-mindedness.

I here, take responsibility for my words and views. I also am aware that these sentiments were rushed in rage that has long stood and might lack clarity and an even sounder and very much possible backup, leading to numerous misrepresentations.

My aim here is not to hurt anyone. But I think it is important to address these issues. We all have the same goal - getting a step closer to Waheguru. But let not misunderstand the many other issues, whether clearly relevant or astranged from that path.

Bhul chuk maaf.

p.s.// I will take this opportunity to address the reason why I don't prefer calling every Sikh guy "veer/brother" - Even though my goals might be leading to celibacy, but are you not to marry some Sikh man or woman in life? Would you not want to meet someone perfect for you, with similar aspirations, attitude and personality? At least i'd love to. And even though this is no man-hunt, I don't feel the need to secure my intentions to every man I meet by calling him "veer". I think that's ridiculous. I know, all you women might say that we say that out of respect or casual inclination, but think for one moment, is it not yet another important reason, to keep things from being misunderstood and to assure a safe-zone that you feel inclined to addressing fellow Sikh men as brothers. I know when I'm complimenting any Sikh man on something personal, I very much end up addressing them as 'veer' so that we are clear. Also, if it was not about some probable soul-mate that you were to run into on some course of your life, why do we need to name relationships where there are none. I am related to every man and woman on this earth, but I don't consider them my "brothers and sisters". My relationship with the whole world is that of respect and humanity. But the relationship that these relationships called "brother and sister" is one of much intense depth and love. If you don't share it, don't say it. At least that's my take. Oh and just so that we are clear, when I say that I don't call every man I meet "Veer", I don't even call every woman I meet "Bhain/sister". Be fair. Be genuine. Be true in words as you are at heart.

[I think the last paragraph needs me to again repeat: BHUL CHUK MAAF :)]

p.s.// On that note, I miss you Iksingh veer (L)

p-e-a-c-e (ful)

2006-05-29T00:56:00.000-04:00

sewa :)

2006-05-29T00:55:00.001-04:00

standing tall

2006-05-29T00:55:00.000-04:00

Eyes of a child

2006-05-28T02:33:00.000-04:00

I read the psot called 'Simple sweet things in life' on Satvinder Bhenji's blog (http://satvinder.blog.com/766898/) and thought I'd share this little piece I wrote a few days ago :)

20/5/06

Eyes of a child

May the wondering never die
May I always marvel at the vastness of the sky
May the bewilderment always remain
Let the heart joy at every droplet of rain
May amazement keep its thrill forever
Let me have the zest to never pass an endeavour
To celebrate the plain joys of life
To smile and laugh with rife
May I never cease to admire
And never quit this passionate fire
Of inquiring into the complexity of the simply beautiful things
Let everything in this world inspire
Me to be ever so new to this world
Let this earth, its people leave me beguiled
May I always have the eyes of a child.

rare view

2006-05-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

This picture is taken by Raminder p.S. I have hardly ever come across silhouettes for Sri Harmandir Sahib. I liked it very much and thought I'd share with everyone :)

ref.: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raminder/150363994/

Enjoy your coffee!

2006-05-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university lecturer.

Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the lecturer went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the lecturer said: "If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. Although it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that becomes the source of your problems and stress. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each other's cups."

"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."

"Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."

So folks, don't let the cups drive you...enjoy the coffee instead!!!

I remembered to share this email after reading this incredible entry on:
http://akaalpurakhdifauj.blogspot.com/2006/05/fwd-thought-for-week-end.html#comments

I'm sure you'll love it and appreciate the yum coffee and cookies :)

2006-05-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

On mother’s day, to a wonderful mother – Mehtab Kaur

2006-05-14T15:46:00.000-04:00

His sacred burden is written by Reema Anand on the basis of her correspondence with the divine man, himself. It tells the life story of Bhagat Puran Singh and how he grew to be a saint from the child that he was born as.

The most influential person in Bagat Puran Singh;s life was his mother – Mehtab Kaur. Mehtab Kaur faced a furious turn of events through her personal life. She was eventually forsaken by her husband. She sent Bhagat ji to Khanna boarding school. She undertook several menial jobs, working in the houses of people in and around her village, only to allow her son to enjoy the priviledge of receiving education.

His mother’s great lessons:
1) Look down while you walk, lest God’s tiny creatures be crushed under your feet
2) Plant trees wherever you find vacant land, for they will purify the environment and provide shade when needed
3) Remove any sharp objects or fruit peels on the path you walk, lest someone gets hurt from them
4) Attend to the needs of animals, for they can’t speak up for themselves
5) Say your prayers daily. Figure out your blessings and thank God for His extravagant kindness.

And Bhagatji told Reema Anand that these lessons were never imparted as sermons to him. They came with a reasoning that he could digest and restore in the most scared spot of his mind. The lessons from his wonderful mother became his ideals. Her instilled inspirations sketched the immaculate character of Bhagat Puran Singh.

Thanks to all the wonderful mothers! A very happy mother’s day to all of them.

And an extra-special and a very happy mother’s day to my super-wonderful MoM :D

Kids parade 2

2006-05-08T04:10:00.000-04:00

These are my cousins: TSingh and SSingh (naming them feels like i'm visiting solarider's blog :P) Don't fall for their calm countenance - they are real brats underneath :)

They L-O-V-E to do Ishnaan at every Gurudwara. This is Fatehgarh Sahib. I call them fishies :D

I was thinking how lucky they are to do a "punn" with such enthusiasm. For we ask in Ardaas to get the opportunity to do Darshan-Ishnaan at Sri Harmandir Sahib and of course other Gurudware. Kids are super-blessed!

TSingh needs to climb, doesn't matter, trees or railings or whatnot...
And SSingh can't quit dancing....lol

So the moment they were out of the premise of Gurughar, or at least the main halls, they go back to their routines. Well, mamu made these and several other rules, that kids dare not break :)

This trip made me aware that all kids are naughtier than I could have imagined (for in daily life, I hardly come across any kids). And secondly that when men and women become parents, they automatically alter their normal kids-handling strategies...lol (for good though!)

Singapore cuties

2006-05-08T04:02:00.000-04:00

These kids are from Singapore. And they are studying in Kindergarten in India. They were adorable, angel hearts!
When I first heard that such young children are left in India to get education, I couldn't appreciate it. Cuz I feel there is no better school than home and none more influential teachers than parents. But i left this institution happy, after seeing the love and care the kids recieve here. To add to this delight, there were stories too adorable to ignore!
This one (it's a shame, I forgot their names :( ) was my super-favourite. He was a charmer. Kid 1 is his younger brother and he won't let the dorm supervisor's leave the lights on, after this brother goes to sleep. How cute and responsible is that!

Kids parade 1

2006-05-08T03:59:00.000-04:00

...to their favourite part of the Gurudwara-visiting experience - Ishnaan @ Harmandir Sahib!

HB - (I just noticed how funny his initials are, and how important they make him:P). He is one of my friend's son.
TSingh - with his naughtiest eyes and smile. He always appeared to be keeping a secret from me..hehe

TSingh - Responsibly enojoying his Ishnaan :)

2006-05-07T17:24:00.000-04:00

This is where Sri Guru Ram Das ji sat and overlooked the Kar Seva for Sri Harimandir Sahib.

Among all the inscribed dontations made, I especially liked this one. For i thought it was creative, especially compared to all the other engravings.

feed our minds

2006-05-05T17:55:00.000-04:00

Proud residents of His house

2006-05-05T17:52:00.000-04:00

2006-05-05T17:50:00.000-04:00

Sri Fatehgarh Sahib

2006-05-02T16:04:00.000-04:00

The city of Sirhind is house to the legendary passing of the two younger Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh ji. There collectively exist a number of Gurudware clustered close to each other, either dedicated to the two Sahibzade or Mata Gujri ji. The two younger sons of Guru Gobind, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh ji were bricked in a wall to die of suffocation for their denial to convert to Islam, a command made my Wazir Khan on behalf of Aurangzeb, the Moghul emperor.

The 'Thanda burj' Gurudwara is dedicated to the fort where Mata Gujri was kept captive for a night out in the fort with the two young Sahibzaade. This is where she jumped off, and died after hearing what was done to the two Sahibzaade. Sadly the point that struck me when I heard the story was whether suicide is accepted in Sikhism. But then it was clarified to me, that she committed suicide not in despair of losing her grandsons, but in a effort to save her honour in face of Wazir Khan's malicious intentions.
The Gurughars that I visited were beautiful and very well maintained. The gardens were gorgeous and melodius Kirtan was being played in each Gurudwara at whatever odd hour I visited them.

The city also has numerous renowned mosques and beautiful tombs and boasts a harmonious Sikh and Muslim living with numerous sites of immense importance for people of both religions.

Gleeful missing

2006-05-01T13:45:00.000-04:00

Miss Me - But Let Me Go

by Anonymous

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rotes in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone

It's all a part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me - but let me go.

Dedicated to those who left with a contented smile...

Gurudwara Shaheedan Vaala

2006-04-28T08:48:00.000-04:00

And so for the first time I am wondering if there is some other official name for this Gurudwara. But this is the GuruGhar that I visited with my family every week. If I were to choose my truly committed affiliation to any Gurudwara, then this would be it.
Shaheedan Vaala Gurudwara is dedicated to Baba Deep Singh ji. He was a great warrior of unmatched caliber, an enlightened, learned soul of the Guru. He fought against several armies, but the most popular and significant is his battle against the Moghuls in 1750AD where he fought for the protection of Sri Harmandir Sahib. During this encounter, his head was hit hard by a blow from the opposition. He held his head upright with one hand and fought through and won the battle. Having promised Satguru to win the battle and land in His house, Sri Harmandir Sahib, he threw his head, which fell in the south-west corner of Sri Harmandir Sahib – where there is a section marked to honour his bravery and commitment.

This is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhavan on the left side of the Gurudwara.
This is the beri, under which Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji sat to recite Sukhmani Sahib's paath. If you choose to do challiya (40 day committed visit) at the Gurudwara, this is a great spot to concentrate in peace.

u-n-m-a-t-c-h-e-d

2006-04-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

Sri Amritsar Sahib has changed. I only wish I could say that it was for good. The city is bustling with dismissive energy – a chaos rushing through every street and part of the holy city. Yet…it houses the nook of Peace – the Supra-Wonderful Gurudware.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, was as or even more beautiful than ever (what judge can I be of that beauty?). But it is a haven of bliss and eternal peace, especially during the ambrosial hours of the day. Super-Delightful!
I grew up in that city with not more than 4 visits in the early hours of the Amritvela, when I was living there. But this time as a visitor was different. I knew the privilege that I was missing in my life. I’m glad I got that opportunity to cash this time. It’s funny how the things closest to us are always overlooked. During this visit, I could not make peace with the reasoning of how and why I missed on the unlimited opportunity that I had right at home for several years. But I guess, distance and years definitely add meaning that can’t come without paying this price.

The sanctity of His house is hard to match or replicate anywhere in the world. Gurudware are wonderful everywere, after all it is the house of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. But history adds meaning, places carry the imprints of the courses of actions that took place in every corner of this Gurudwara, that suddenly becomes much bigger than just ‘another’ Gurudwara.
I can’t thank Satguru enough for this opportunity after so many years of being away, even though it was unbelievably short. I had planned 2 weeks off, but had to cut it short, ‘cuz of some urgent business here – which sucks! Lol. But oh well….every minute of these 6 days was worth way too much.
Sadly, there won’t be as many pictures as you and I’d have thought – I was mesmerized by each experience, didn’t wanna ruin by even an inch of disturbance of having to remember to use the camera. I just thought the best way to cash the true delight, would be by being in the moment – and I was sure I won’t need a camera to remember that experience. I’m glad I was right, for I can relive it whenever and as many times as I want. Even the quality of the pictures won’t be super, as I didn’t take my laptop with me. For the fear of running outta space for the pics, I have very low resolution. The pics are still aight, but the videos are especially bad. I don’t even know how to upload those here, but I’ll figure it out sooner or later :P

Until then….I’ll share whatever # of pics I’ve got :D

Sat Naam Wahe Guru!!!

A 6-day trip completed :)

2006-04-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

Tera thaan suhaava

...Roop suhaava

Tere bahut sohne Darbare!!!

Happy B/Vaisakhi to all!

2006-04-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

I hope this day is happy and special for all. And may God rest those souls in peace who were killed during the celebration of this wondeful day @ the Jallianwala Bagh.
Let love reside in all hearts :D

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!!!

Today's Hukamnama

2006-04-07T14:22:00.000-04:00

DHANAASAREE, FIFTH MEHL:
He has extended His power in all four directions, and placed His hand upon my head. Gazing upon me with his Eye of Mercy, He has dispelled the pains of His slave. 1 The Guru, the Lord of the Universe, has saved the Lord's humble servant. Hugging me close in His embrace, the merciful, forgiving Lord has erased all my sins. Pause Whatever I ask for from my Lord and Master, he gives that to me. Whatever the Lord's slave Nanak utters with his mouth, proves to be true, here and hereafter. 2 14 45
Friday, 25 Chayat (Samvat 538 Nanakshahi)
(Page : 681)

Sikhism – A missionary religion or not?

2006-04-05T15:28:00.000-04:00

In 1990, in an International Seminar on Sikhs, Sikhism, Culture and Religion, held at the University of British Columbia, one Mr. Iqbal Singh said that when Guru Arjun had compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he directed all to join in an effort to translate all the hymns into the different languages of the world so that SGGS’ message can reach far and wide. He states that Guru Sa’ab expressed this desire in an expression: “so that they might extend over the whole world as oil spreads over water”. This episode he believes is the biggest indication of Sikhism’s inherent missionary goals.

But what is meant by this term: missionary? Dictionary.com gives two definitions:
1) One who is sent on a mission, especially one sent to do religious or charitable work in a territory or foreign country.
2) One who attempts to persuade or convert others to a particular program, doctrine, or set of principles; a propagandist.

Without doubt, all will agree that Sikhism doesn’t believe or follow the second definition. But what about the first statement? Have you witnessed Sikhs acting as ambassadors of their religion to the outside world? Would you agree that the charitable institutions that have come up in recent history have been successful in securing themselves a place of honour and a Sikh exemplary pride? Which foreign countries can we name where Sikhs have gone for the sole purpose of educating the locals of those areas about Sikhism in their own native language?

I have always felt that Sikhism ought be to a missionary religion, but definitely not the kind that the second statement reveals. The only Sikh that I know who acted as a (successful) missionary was Sri Singh Sahib – Yogi Bhajan, although I don’t know if he migrated with a mission in mind, or if it was the toll of circumstances that made him a potential messenger of Satguru. When talking of the charitable institutions, the count is just as sparse. But Pingalwara Institute I’d say is one of the most popular – but not even all the Sikhs know about its services and goals, forget about the foreign nations. Other servies like Khalsa Aid and the newly sprung up emergency aid services have still to prove their strength.

But sharing the knowledge that Sri Guru Granth Sahib provides is the primary goal of every Gursikh. And before we can go out to the non-Sikh world, we need Sikh ambassadors within the community. If leaders are lacking, the sangat needs to be friendly enough to share and exchange Sikh knowledge. Let not be unfriendly, let not shut the door of our minds, by turning away from those who seek that knowledge. If you have something to offer, please share it with the others who might know less, but seek more.

This recent rapid air of arrogance or solitude in the Sikh circles will suffocate the dire desire of the ones who’ve taken their toddler steps towards seeking the truth. Be an ambassador of Sikhism, be the true missionary Guru Arjun Dev intended us to be.
…let’s start from home!

p.s.// Does anyone know one-word that means the opposite of missionary? hehe

Reference:
Sara, Iqbal Singh. (1990). The Closing Remarks at Vancouver Conference.

2006-04-03T02:55:00.000-04:00

In the depth of winter, I finally learned, that within me lay an invincible summer...

-Albert Camus.

The perfect merger - at the harbourfront

2006-03-30T14:01:00.000-05:00

more of Toronto...

2006-03-30T13:55:00.000-05:00

century

2006-03-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

I just realized that the last post was my hundredth psot on this blog. It's title actually sums up this short, yet significant journey on a bloggersworld. Writing is therapeutic as all know and probably experience. I think, blogging soon will join the list of natural reinforcers. In this very short time, I've experienced all the highs and lows of writing - strangely! There have been times I had too much to say, but found it difficult to sum; others when I couldn't come up with anything to talk about or add to this blog. Times where I was writing/posting pics for others, and times when it was just a ramble with streams of consciousness. I just wanted to take a moment to thank Satguru for
- intiating me into the bloggersworld, which gives me innumerable chances to connect to Him
- for the wonderful people I came to know through this medium
- the immense and precious knowledge I gain by visiting the wonderfully diverse and content rich blogs online
- for adding meaning to pensive moments
- for providing a medium to contemplate ideas and morals and gain the much needed feedback
- last but not the least for the superprecious and extraordinary 'Sangat' - the missing link of my life

~ Smilez all the way!
Satnam Waheguru!!! Chardi Kala!

A peaceful pause

2006-03-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

The mighty pawn

2006-03-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

The constant gardener (nothing to do with the movie!!)

2006-03-09T00:57:00.000-05:00

Deep Chand - A very poor man from Bihar who works 10/12 months in Punjab away from his family, in a room shared by 6 men, to earn US$2.00 a day as compared to the US 75 c. in Bihar. [you can read his story on http://www.pingalwaraonline.org/about_pingal/deepchand.htm].

(Heart breaks). There are hundreds of such or even sadder accounts on the Pingalwara site (one that I refer to all the time). Corny they sure are many a times, but my point of concern is not the melodrama it takes to move peoples' hearts today, but the one of sharing responsibilities, breaking norms and taking the 'road not taken'.

Childhood spent in oblivion and innocence, youth spent motivated towards achieving an economic goal, middle age spent doing the hard earned job and raising a family and old age cherishing the memories made through life - this is my image of the life schedule for the "normal" world that i'm accustomed to. This is a pretty intense schedule if you conceive the idea thoroughly and I'm sure none of my readers here have skipped or shall skip any of these steps. So how do you make a difference?

My all time favourite shabad kirtan is: "Bahut Janam Bichde The Maadho, Aeho Janam Tumhare Lekhe". Whose lekhe have you set your janam? These swaas are way too precious to be spent in oblivion. Even if you "choose" to lead a life of set norms, or you just don't choose to lead a life off the traditional route, what is one thing exceptional, that you shall credit to your life for eternity?

I said earlier, and I'll stick by it, leading this life of accorded norms is hard, very demanding and very consuming and none of those tasks are unimportant and yes! I remember Satguru asked us to lead the normal life, not to renounce the world. I just wanna clarify that I aint pro-world-renouncing...'cuz what else are we here for if not to engage in this life with the world around us.

But I think life gains meaning and hard work becomes inspirational, when we have clearer goals. The spirit moves towards a natural calm, towards 'Light' when you choose ONE thing that'll be greater than life itself and make a difference, something that you'll consider YOUR legend!

Satnam Waheguru!

My beloved backyard

2006-03-05T01:57:00.000-05:00

I know these pics are long overdue...but hey, never too late :) I've begun with my backwyard for it is my favourite part of the house - i love the ravine (which is frozen right now) and the fact that the fields will escape mass murder of construction for at least 10-15 yrs :) The lovely mother nature...

Ironic Idealism

2006-02-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

The passing away of my client(X) was my first encounter with death. But I know per fact how it is like in the Indian culture, or the Sikhs, to be more specific. However, this is a unique experience. X was a Caucasian Native Canadian and a practising Catholic.

I wanted to let you all know that I am not really brave as you might have thought from my last post. Death and dying is tough. Indeed. But facing death in X's environment was definitely a better encounter. Death is welcomed and those left breathing after the demise of one accept it very gracefully and effortfully look for reasons to cherish fond memories and all that is good. His wife has cried several times. She always has her eyes flooded when she talks to me about him, but it is all with a smile or several smiles.

The day she called me to tell me about his passing away, I almost had a "discomfort fit" (is what i call it).
Thought 1: I am a professional, I am not suppose to let myself feel weak. There is nothing to feel weak. He was a client, that's all. Where are the detachement strategies???
Thought 2: Oh no one in the family should see me in remorse or any other form of distress over his passing away. This shall prove I'm a misfit for this job.
Thought 3: X, the one I knew, the one I spent so much time with, the one I just saw last week, the breathing, talking, the one acknowledging me so well, that man breathes no more. His body remains behind without his soul. He is dead.
Somewhere among those and several unacknowledged thoughts, I crashed. Luckily, no one found out.

Gosh. That reminds me that there is so much to figure out: Defining strength of this job; finding how to care without getting attached; ...

But in spite of all this, it was much easier than I could have thought. I saw X's family smiling the day after his death, not crying havoc over his passing away. I saw them emotionally intact, sharing wonderful memories of him, planning rigourously for his funeral for the coming weekend. This family was as attached to each other as any other wonderfully working family is, yet the house was spared the hue and cry over this natural a process.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib tells us to face and accept death gracefully. Mourn but do not do so in contempt to the Lord who brought that fate. In spite of such clear advice and order, how do we always miss? How is it that death in Sikh families never takes the toll of peacefully smiling people accepting of God's will? Instead is composed of anger and frustration on the course of events that take place...

all in (good) time...

2006-02-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

If you're here now, you'll be there then.

~ Native American Aphorism

The continuity of being is inescapable. Life for all of us goes on in some form, in some place, realm, either concerete or subtle, on this planet or in another world in this universe. The mystery of death circumscribes each of our lives. Many feel, from time to time, an eternal sense of existence, the ineffable feeling of having always been. We cannot really die in any permanent way, but are ever called on from one transition to another until we are transformed. Once we know how to behere in the integrity of the moment, we enter the Eternal Now and we know we alwasy will be. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to learn tobe in the present moment and so to enter its eternal truth. Let us develop the motivation and determination to be in this most ordinary and extraordinary manner.

Life support?

2006-02-25T17:35:00.000-05:00

When I first learnt about a DNR, I said to myself, yes! definitely I'd like to sign one. Even after a course in Hospice work, I thought, it is only sensible to offer least possible resistance to death when it knocks your door. Then, (recently) I watched the movie 'Just like heaven'...and I'm like "wow! if if if...". Then I saw my client's health degenerate every single day, leading to a day, when I am the only one he remembers and wants to be with, yet leading to another, when he won't be able to recognize. At such tender times, he was the only one who was still sure about his choices of no life support. But....today...the day after losing him...the day where I shake myself to fully acknowledge his absence from this world...I am not sure whether I am pro-/anti- life support.

As much as I thought, I'll be fine with his passing away, 'cuz my duty was to make his passing away as easy as possible and to add meaning to whatever remained of his life. Somehow, the loss doesn't miss to hit you. So think again and think it through your mind and the eyes of those close to you, whether the choice of life support is your final choice. But do make a choice.

And join me in making a prayer to the peaceful and restful transition of my client's soul from this world to another. May he rest in peace.

Waheguru. Waheguru. Waheguru.

"Pant rattan" - Sant Makeen

2006-02-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

I know it is a couple of days late. But this post is a tribute to a man who I definitely want to learn more about, always have and always will.

Giyani Sant Singh ji Maskeen was a Sikh scholar. I am sure no one is ignorant about his standings and work. He passed away last Feb. 18, 2005 'cuz of a heart attack. Even with an educational equivalency of grade 10 only, he has about 12 books and recorded a big numebr of audio and video cassettes with his vayakhya ( analysis and description of the Bani) to his credit. (Yeah, what's up with this stat? Even Bhagat Puran Singh ji could not even complete his grade 10, but evolved into such a wonderful and informative writer about all the global concerns. It's amazing!) Anyways, going back to Sant Maskeen ji, my memory instills the clarity and effectiveness in his speeches which were always wrapped in most convincing arguments and informative facts. He has provided the world with meaninful, interesting and enlightening information from Gurbani. May his soul rest in peace in Sachkhand!

destinations

2006-02-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

"Valley of Hands"

This is where I want to be - seems like no one can miss being one with Lord at a place so serene, a place so meditated, a place so humble.

...somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains

And this is where I'd love to pass away from this world into another. Appears that a part of me will be preserved forever and the transcendence of soul will be smooth and natural.

Neurotheology - worth taking a look at!

2006-02-18T04:08:00.000-05:00

Let me begin with what I do currently. I work in a Neuroscience lab, as a Research Assistant and I study the brain and its working in Autistic kids. We are trying to determine the best intervention methods for Autistic kids. This lab has got the most wonderful grant ever for this research, basically ‘cuz it is a combined grant for York Uni and U of Toronto (touch wood :P). The reason I’m telling this is cuz this allows the lab to have the coolest equipment and 10 big mac computers to study every part of the brain. Neuroscience is fascinating. But the first time I heard about Neurotheology, was in my Cognitive Psychology class.

So what is neurotheology? It is the study of neural basis of theology. Certain parts of the brain seem to be leading to religious experiences. The one condition of Temporal lobe epilepsy (a part near the eyes getting affected), especially has been linked to such religious experiences. Scientists today (especially Canadian:)) are trying to research in this field.

This has lead to several debates and concerns: Is religiosity a talent that some people have and that others lack? Is it truly possible to determine the link between the unknown and undefinable with actual body processes? Has evolution supported religiosity? ‘Cuz research has proved that religious people have healthier and longer lives. So the query is if consciously or unconsciously, we evolved religious beliefs?

This branch is amazing. And if I opt for Neuroscience for my graduate studies, I think I’d be thrilled to work in this field. Let’s see what destiny has sketched. Until then, to feed your curiosity, I found that the easiest and most layperson friendly link to this would be on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotheology

Satnam Waheguru!

W A H E G U R U

2006-02-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

How many times do I use this word? How many times people have asked me its meaning for it is inscribed on my Kada and yet and yet, I'm ashamed to confess that I misunderstood it...or should I say that I didn't know it's meaning at all. My understanding of the phrase was:
Waheguru = God is great (like a literal translation as it sounds in Punjabi: Wah Guru)

Only today while browsing did i find that "Waheguru" is made of two words: Wahid and Guru. Wahid being a Persian word that means "one and only". Therefore
Waheguru = One and only Guru!
And it definitely makes sooo much more sense.

Well, rather late than never :)
http://www.singhsabha.com/discussion_topics.htm

what pilgrimages?

2006-02-14T14:27:00.000-05:00

Today's Hukamnama states:

SHALOK, FIFTH MEHL:
That body, which does not meditate in remembrance on the Lords Name in the Saadh Sangat, shall be reduced to dust. Cursed and insipid is that body, O Nanak, which does not know the One who created it. 1 FIFTH MEHL: Let His Lotus Feet abide within your heart, and with your tongue, chant the Name of the Lord of the World. O Nanak, meditate in remembrance on God, and nurture this body of yours. 2 PAUREE: The Creator Himself is the sixty-eight sacred places of pilgrimage; He Himself takes the cleansing bath there. He Himself practices austere self-discipline; the Lord and Master Himself inspires us to chant His Name. He Himself becomes merciful; the Destroyer of fear Himself gives in charity to all. One whom He has enlightened and made Gurmukh, obtains honor forever in His Court. One whose honor is preserved by his Lord and Master, comes to know the True Lord. 14
Tuesday, 3rd Phalgun (Samvat 537 Nanakshahi)
(Page : 553)

I thought Sikhism does not support the concept of limited places of pilgrimage. I was wondering what these 68 number is referring to here?

Desperate

2006-02-08T03:35:00.000-05:00

I recieved an absolutely remarkable thought of the day from Gurukirpa, which I'd love to share with all:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

It's also said that: It's hard to stumble when you are on your knees :)

And while I looked up for a picture to match this beautiful thought, I landed on this:(I love this pic :)) Even though this kittie aint on her/his knees...there is this desperation in the gesture which reminds me to share the zeal and enthusiasm which I think desperation brings about. This desperation need not be for specific 'needs'. It could be the earnest yearning of selfless love and care and devotion. A desperation that brings you closer to God for it nears your reading glasses on each line of the prayer you say with meaning resounding louder than words. Oh how I love desperate prayers :P

define it right

2006-02-08T03:23:00.000-05:00

Containing any meaning in words is a difficult task, I agree. But when I land on things like this, I expect more perfection. While browsing around on what internet provides on world religion databases about religions, I found Sikhism defined as follows:

"Sikhism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary on Sikhism

Sikhism: "Discipleship." Religion of nine million members founded in India about 500 years ago by the saint Guru Nanak. A reformist faith which rejects idolatry and the caste system, its holy book is the Adi Granth, and main holy center is the Golden Temple of Amritsar."

Followed by another attempt to define Sikhism as per:
"Sikhism: New Age Spirituality Dictionary on Sikhism

Sikhism

A religion, based mostly in the Punjab province of India, that attempts to blend Hinduism and Islam. The movement is based on a vision and subsequent teachings of founder Guru Nanak in the 15th century AD. Disciples, called Sikhs, follow the one true God named Sat Nam (�True Name�). Their main scriptures are contained in the Granth Sahib (�The Lord's Book�), compiled by the guru Arjan, and salvation is viewed as a merging with the universal force"

I prefer definition 1 to begin with. I get quite worked up on the definition of Sikhism as a BLEND of Hinduism and Islam and my uneasiness has no bounds when I find such exclamations coming from Sikh resources that people shall look upto. It brings me to my unanswerable query of whether we'd be ever able to achieve a stage of standardized history and explanation - one that stands high in the rightful shade and guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The need for deed

2006-02-07T23:59:00.000-05:00

When do you pray to God? When does it itch to think of Him and when do you feel that itch? It is human to think of God when we need Him the most. If one is remembering God through daily sadhna, I think it entitles that person to remember God in times of need. I don’t know why, but if daily sadhna (which I consider is the selfless and the purest form of Bhagti) is missed, I feel guilty for having to ask for God’s help when I need it most. It feels selfish on my part. I wonder as to what is a better course if that daily sadhana is missed: remember God in times of need and avert on the guilt trips or remember God in time of need, ask for his help, promise to get back on the selfless track, which we know won’t last long, or happen at all.

A dear friend a short while ago told me that Sikhs being the learners strive to reach that state of ultimate bliss where they think of Satguru with every swaas (breath). As much as I don’t expect to be a perfectionist in a day, I am inclined to get restless and anxious to fulfill that ordained destiny leading to a vicious cycle spiraling down.

Help formulate a new strategy to successfully and peacefully think of God with patience in a guiltless heart.

A blessed day of new beginnings

2006-01-30T01:48:00.000-05:00

So, first I dropped by Manvir Singh Khalsa's blog and found his humble and baaiirag-mayi account of the process of his recieving Amrit. One good thing followed another when I landed on Angad Singh's blog - the best of all being my learning about www.GGSacademy.com. I pondered through the web site and soon registered, with all my doubts of being able to meet the deadlines etc. But it sure feels AWESOME :) Finally on to Prabhu Singh's blog, where I learned about the wonderful Parvinder Singh - a man who has had the honour and privilege to read Sri Guru Gobind Singh's hand written documents, a man with immense knowledge of Gurmat and Gurbani and a big, kind heart.

These accounts, these readings and this wisdom collected from around, sure seems to have started a good day. And this day is special.

I'm moving to my new house. We bought it a few months ago. And now it is complete and all set for us to move in. Although today we are just moving some stuff and mainly recite Japuji and Sukhmani Sahib as a family. The main bhog is on Feb. 4 and that's when we'll start living there. So I'm excited. :D:D

I love new beginnings and this sure seems to have taken off in my favourite course - in and towards Satguru's spirit.

Satnam!

p.s.// If anyone of this sangat from blogworld is in my town (TO), you are more than welcome to come. Just lemme know so that I can tell you where, unless you intend to wander :P

one of the many

2006-01-27T01:20:00.000-05:00

DISTRACTIONS ;)

Well, I've been on a shortage of stuff to come up with for this blog. I've shared a little something I've been spenting quite a bit of time on :)

....to goodness in everything.

Satnam Waheguru.

inspired by Solarider's nephew's pic

2006-01-27T01:18:00.000-05:00

2006-01-27T01:16:00.001-05:00

2006-01-27T01:16:00.000-05:00

2006-01-27T01:14:00.000-05:00

i was voided of the blessing called Picasa :P

2006-01-23T01:55:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to see what a little technology can do to life. Cheers.

bringing colour and luck

2006-01-19T12:15:00.000-05:00

Jan 17 - for the sake of Sikh prisoners

2006-01-12T19:15:00.000-05:00

WORLDWIDE DAY OF PROTEST 17 JANUARY 2006

SIKHS TO CALL FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY AND THE RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN INDIA

A Worldwide Day of Protest is being organised for 17 January 2006. Sikhs in cities around the world from London, to Paris, to Toronto and to New York are aiming on 17 January to show their opposition to the death penalty and call for the release of all Sikh political prisoners held in jails in India.

Candles will be lit in prominent places in cities throughout the world, including in India itself. Sikhs in more than 100 cities are expected to take part in the protest and will be joined by prominent non-Sikhs, such as politicians, human rights and trade union activists.
In Canada the protest will take place at BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. The Canadian Organization of Sikh Students are coordinating these protests. In BC the protest will take place at UBC and SFU. In Ontario, the protests will take place in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchner/Waterloo, London, Ottawa and Kingston. In Alberta the protest will be at U of Calgary.

In Quebec the protest will take place at McGil and Concordia.
In Toronto the protest will take place at Nathan Phillip Square at the Peace Gardens between 5:30 - 7pm, Brampton at the Brampton City Hall, Mississauga City Hall. The protests are being supported by COSS, United Sikh Federation, Gurdwaras and the Sadh Sangat. The protests are being supported by Amnesty International and other members of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty.

MPs, MPPs, City Councillors, and members of the public will join Sikhs in celebrating life, freedom and in the opposition to the death penalty.

The worldwide protests are taking place on 17 January to coincide with the 11th anniversary of one of the most controversial and highest profile death penalty cases in recent Indian history. 11 years earlier on 17 January 1995 Professor Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, a Sikh political activist, was illegally deported from Germany. Davinderpal Singh was handed over to the Indian authorities on the basis that he had nothing to fear on his return to India.

For 11 years Davinderpal Singh has been forced to live with the mistake by the German authorities. He was arrested and put in prison as soon as he landed in Delhi, tortured to obtain a false confession, charged and sentenced to death by hanging for a crime he did not commit.
When Germany deported Davinderpal Singh to a death-penalty prone country it violated the European Convention on Human Rights. After his deportation, the court of appeal in Frankfurt allowed his appeal and said that he should not have been deported as he would face torture, harassment and death in India and were he to re-enter Germany he would be given asylum.
The verdict of the court of appeal in Germany came too late for Davinderpal Singh. However, it has left Germany and the EU with a moral obligation to ensure the threat of the death penalty by India is removed and Davinderpal Singh and other political prisoners that are unnecessarily being held, either without trial or under false charges and without evidence, are released immediately.

Jasdev Singh
Vice PresidentCanadian Organization of Sikh Students (COSS)“Uniting the Youth of Canada”

Special birthdays

2006-01-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

A very Happy birthday to the great Guru Gobind Singh ji!

Gurupurab di bahut vadhayi sabhnoo :)

Happy 2006

2005-12-31T21:08:00.000-05:00

May Waheguru bring loads of blessings this new year 2006. Wishing you all the best!

God in all

2005-12-25T00:10:00.000-05:00

Gaze into the heart of each creature and kin
and behold the Beloved who gazes upon you with love.

~ Sister Georgeone Wilson

Franciscan nun Georgeone Wilson was an anchoress, a hermit living a contemplative life, in a small hermitage in Wheaton, Illinois. She is also a poet, artist and mystic. Gor Georgene, in every person and every sentient being, the Divine is expressing itself, is loving each one of us. God is the self in every person, and with the requisite sensitivity, we can discern this presence shining forth in all things. This capacity to discern the Divine presence in all sentient beings is a hallmark of the mystic saint of every tradition. It is essential that we realize in our dealings with our fellow creatures on this planet, that we all belong to the same ultimate family, one that is essentially arising from, being maintained by, and returning to the Divine reality. In more personal terms, as we can gather from Georgene's aphorism, we can encounter the Beloved, the Holy One, in every living being.

‘Ceremony of bliss’

2005-12-23T01:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, time for Anand Karaj..lol…no not mine, but my best friend’s :D Weddings are overwhelming, and I am just stating that as an outsider! But since it is my dearest friend’s wedding, I want to take a few moments to evaluate the whole institution of marriage. I know Sikhism is one of the few religions that encourage this way of life. But just stepping into it is such a time consuming and resource consuming process that it makes me wonder what good is attained in dedicating the enormous and precious time to this way of life. Research tells me that marriage between Sikhs is not just a symbolic union, but is also considered to be a fusion between two souls. For this reason, marriage is considered to be a semi-holy state that everyone ought to aspire to. But marriage is much more than a holy communion...it's about new interests, new desires and several new involvements. How does it truly take us toward God? And how do you tackle additional responsibilities and goals, when the current ones are so very hard to manage?? Especially the goal of streamlining your mind and focus of reaching for and towards Satguru. So just wondering…

Time for no excuses - Learn Punjabi online

2005-12-15T23:18:00.000-05:00

Finally the entrepreneurs of Punjab have given the ultimate gift to the progress in the field of linguistics, by creating the web site:

www.advancedcentrepunjabi.org

for anyone to learn Punjabi online. The site is speculatively divided into portions that make it an easy step-by-step process. The site also offers verbal help and guide on pronunciation with variations on the pronunciation of words that sounds alike, but have several different meanings (argh, i can't remember the right term for it...hehe). These tones are something that even a pro can learn from. So from my quick review of this site, I blv it has something useful to offer to everyone.

Let's share Punjabi with ease and with all :)

Oh how I love you so….oh how I wish I could let it show!

2005-12-15T22:52:00.000-05:00

He is senile, his words coarse, his life stiff. Abusive to the wife, I was told – verbal abuse. She left in the snow storm to do some urgent grocery shopping for the dinner – the daughter from BC was coming with her bf. An hour and a half of talking did not flash the light in me of where his heart was at. I talk and talk and he utters unrelatedly, “She is going to be so tired. And cold. She loves to shop. I used to drive her around all the time. We used to do 8-10 stores in a day. Now I can’t – can’t drive, can’t shop with her, can’t provide her all she needs and deserves. She is going to be very tired and cold….”. That moment it seemed that my education in psychology had felt short. I had stepped through that door with some knowledge, some ideas and some stereotypes. I don’t know or understand men well. But how could my instinct have failed me so??

‘Abusive’ was not the word my client coordinator should have put in client history – tough love is the right replacement. Even when she was stormed by questions and commands or ridicules of being silly, when she returned – the abrasive remarks are but chocolates wrapped in mortar. Love happens in ways much strange. And its mysterious workings are a delight. I hope she knows...i think she does :)

merry xmas 2 all :)

2005-12-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

Exams are over and I have nothing to post right now..hehe. I'll soon find something to share :)

Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru!!!